A new social app has hit the scene and it’s aimed at making flirting less awkward.
Electric Courage, a play on the term “liquid courage,” is a flirting app that will be officially released in October.
A version still in the testing phase is available for Blackberrys and iPhones now and will be available for Androids in mid-October.
Someone who is on the app can send a “flirt” to another person at a social event with a general description and chat with them using the app in real time.
Third-year student Jory Boisvert isn’t sure she would use the app, but said she would probably follow what people are saying to each other.
It would be interesting to watch other people use it,” said Boisvert. “You know the website LikeALittle? It’s interesting to see what other people have to say.”
Kate McLeod, a third year student, disagrees. Although she doesn’t go to bars, doesn’t think that she would ever use the app.
“I think that if I were to be in that situation. I don’t think I’d respect the person if they were to do that.
“If you really like someone put yourself out there a little bit.”
The app was created by a group of undergrads from all across Canada through a program called The Next 36.
In the program, groups are given money to start their own business. It also teaches the participants how to run a business and supplies mentors. Every year, there’s a different project to start off the students. This year’s project was to create an app.
Holly Smith, one of the founders of Electric Courage, is a medical student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. She believes that women especially will like the “playful” nature of flirting with the app.
“[It replaces] the typical dance floor ‘grinding’ introduction, which can be really awkward,” said Smith.
She says, however, that it isn’t going to replace actually going up and talking to the person. It’s just to get over the initial shyness.
There is also a wall where interested students like Boisvert can watch other people post.
“People like to see what other people are saying which is why we included it,” said Smith.
Even though Electric Courage is technically in the testing phase, the app has been getting a lot of downloads. Smith says people just seem to like it.
